Canada announces new support for global polio eradication efforts
Sept. 24, 2024
Global Korean Post
–
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that affects children under 5 and can result in severe paralysis and death. Since the launch of the GPEI in 1988, more than 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio. Although polio cases have decreased by 99% worldwide, the disease has not yet been eradicated.
The world is on the verge of eradicating polio, but humanitarian crises, overstretched health systems and the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have created new challenges. Canada has played a leading role in the global health response to polio, and we are stepping up once again.
On September 20, at the Rotary International conference held in Toronto, Ontario, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $151 million in funding as the next step in Canada’s support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
With this Canadian investment, GPEI and partners like UNICEF and the World Health Organization will deliver and expand quality, accessible polio immunization and health services around the world. This includes increased access to polio immunization for the most vulnerable populations, including women and girls, and in conflict-affected regions where there is little or no access to essential health services.
Efforts will focus on stopping the transmission of all forms of poliovirus by vaccinating more than 370 million children annually against polio, preventing 600,000 children annually from suffering from paralysis and death; improving vaccine uptake and communications activities to support polio vaccination; continuing disease surveillance and containment activities; and strengthening health systems.
The funding announced will make a significant and meaningful difference in polio eradication efforts and in protecting those who are most affected. It will mean more children can live polio-free lives with good health. And it will take us one step closer to ending polio forever.
